| Author |
Message |
    
Dave
| | Posted on Thursday, May 9, 2002 - 9:04 am: |     |
From Jgberkeley: "Do you support building anything into the open vistas of our current parks? i.e. dog runs, soccer fields, more courts. If so, why and what? " |
Artchristensen
| | Posted on Saturday, May 11, 2002 - 3:12 pm: | |
Asked and answered! |
Iangrodman
| | Posted on Wednesday, May 29, 2002 - 7:33 am: | |
Do you support building anything into the open vistas of our current parks? i.e., dog runs, soccer fields, more courts. If so, why and what?
As open space in Maplewood is at a premium, I would need to be shown an overriding need to be convinced to limit our open spaces further. We appear to have an adequate supply of soccer and baseball fields, as well as basketball courts at this time.
While I do not generally believe that open space should be "paved over," I support citizen efforts to create a roller/skateboarding park in town, on a currently underutilized small parcel of open space. (Interestingly enough, while this space is in Maplewood, the property is actually owned by South Orange). Such a park could help to alleviate the shortage of programs available for the youth of our town. This would not detract from the need for a permanent teen center in town, but would provide young adults with one more option in town.
I support the efforts of residents to establish a dog run in town, but have some concerns that the run will encroach on too large a portion of our open spaces, or on the quiet enjoyment of neighbors bordering the areas. I would encourage the residents, with the Township Committee, to work with county officials to establish a larger dog run in a portion of the South Mountain reservation that lies in Maplewood. |
Fredprofeta
| | Posted on Wednesday, May 29, 2002 - 11:36 am: | |
Do you support building anything into the open vistas of our current parks? i.e., dog runs, soccer fields, more courts. If so, why and what?
Ian Grodman's statement on this issue constitutes a joint position. I have vigorously supported the preservation of open space my entire adult life, and this is evidenced by my active memberships in The Land Conservancy, The Sierra Club, the NY/NJ Trail Conference, and many other environmental groups. I have hugged a tree or two. My son Tim (CHS '88) is the environmental advisor to U.S. Senator Joe Lieberman. We are an "open spaces" family.
Ian and I are proud to be running on the same line with Essex County Chair candidate Joe DiVincenzo, who has long been a champion of parks and other open spaces in our county. He has earned the endorsement of The Sierra Club. We expect to be working closely with Joe DiVincenzo to improve the maintenance and beauty of the South Mountain Reservation.
I too support the efforts of residents to establish a dog run in town. We must make sure, however, that the project does not encroach upon the legitimate interests of other residents. I look forward to evaluating the proposal of involved dog owners when presented in July. |
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